Let’s face it: For most (if not all) of us, stress has become a common companion in our daily lives. Whether due to work pressures, financial worries, or just your everyday personal struggles, stress affects us all.
But did you know that stress doesn't just take a toll on your mental health; it also has a profound impact on your physical appearance and overall well-being?
We’ll explore how different stressors, both environmental and mental, may affect your well-being as a whole.
The leading causes of stress are diverse and can vary from person to person.
Work-related issues, relationship problems, financial concerns, and health worries are just a few common triggers. But not-so-fun fact: Foods and other behaviours can unfortunately trigger a stress response in the body.
Inflammatory foods (i.e. high in processed sugar, refined carbohydrates and high in acidity) like tomatoes and onions can lead to gut problems, and in turn, higher levels of cortisol. Recognising these sources of stress is the first step in managing its effects on your body.
Stress can manifest itself in various ways, and some of these symptoms may be more apparent than others. Physically, stress can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
It can then wreak further havoc on your skin, causing acne breakouts, premature ageing, global inflammation and even hair loss.
Lowering Cortisol Levels Naturally
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can be reduced naturally through lifestyle changes. Regular, low-intensity exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates can be beneficial, alongside a balanced diet, meditation, and deep breathing techniques. Adequate sleep is also crucial in managing stress and supporting overall well-being.
Not sure how to confirm the above is having an impact on you?
The easiest telltale sign is that stress can show on your skin. Increased inflammation – making skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis worse – and just a visible acceleration of the ageing process, wherein wrinkles and fine lines appear sooner.
High cortisol levels can also impact your mood, your ability to focus throughout the day, and how well you sleep at night. Lack of sleep can be a contributing factor to all kinds of physical manifestations of stress, which then repeats itself like a vicious vicious cycle because insufficient sleep causes more stress which then leads to poor sleep (again) and more stress and bad sleep and more stress and… You get it.
Small lifestyle changes like limiting your screen time at night or going screen-free for an hour before bed can greatly assist with not only improving your circadian rhythm, but lowering cortisol levels.
While there are natural ways to manage stress, including an oral supplement can offer an extra boost to your holistic well-being. Talisman products are crafted with ingredients rich in essential nutrients that help combat the effects of stress on your body and skin. Perfect for individuals seeking an added layer of support in their journey towards stress management and better overall health, our Vitamins do exactly what they say on the jar.
Stress is a formidable force that affects both our mental and physical well-being. By recognising its leading causes, understanding how it manifests in our bodies, and adopting natural stress-reduction techniques, we’re one step closer to being the very best, most revitalised version of ourselves.